Pearce apologises for nightclub incident

Ian McCullough and Steve Zemek

Mitchell Pearce has apologised for the wild night out that led to his NRL one-game suspension, calling it the kick up the backside he needed.

In a video message posted on the Sydney Roosters website on Wednesday night, Pearce said he took full responsibility for the episode.

He said sorry to his family, girlfriend, his club and its fans and the NRL, adding he had failed to live up to his responsibilities as a role model.

"I just want to take the time to apologise to everyone for my actions the last couple of days," he said.

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"It's been hard on everyone involved and I've brought it all on myself. I take full responsibility ... I take this as a learning curve.

"I need to work on my leadership. It's not where I need to be. It's a good kick up the backside for me."

Pearce has been stood down by the premiers for this weekend's game against North Queensland and fined $20,000 after being arrested in Kings Cross.

The 25-year-old was apprehended by officers for refusing to leave the Beach Haus nightclub following a complaint from a woman about his behaviour.

NRL chief Dave Smith says he's satisfied with the disciplinary action taken against Pearce by the Roosters.

The incident somewhat overshadowed the launch of the NRL's Women in League round at a luncheon in Sydney on Wednesday.

The event saw Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei pick up the Women in League's favourite son award but Smith denied Pearce's actions should be viewed as another black eye for the code.

"The process has been clear and strong and we're comfortable with where we've landed and I think the Roosters have done a good job," Smith said.

"It was the right result and I hope Mitchell learns from it.

"If players misbehave on and off field there will be consequences."

Smith has taken a hard line against alcohol matters which have brought the game into disrepute since taking over from David Gallop last year.

Last June he refused to allow Pearce's NSW teammate James Tamou to play in the second State of Origin clash after he was arrested for drink-driving in Townsville.

Pearce would have almost certainly missed this year's series opener on May 28 had a police complaint been filed by the woman.

However, Smith denied there was a lack of consistency in the punishment.

"I think a $20,000 fine and a one-week stand down is pretty significant," he said.

"At the end of the day it was a matter for the Roosters, and the integrity unit is responsible for overseeing that. I am comfortable with where we're at.

"Every incident is different ... we have standards and if you step outside those standards you will suffer the consequences."

Smith also confirmed the NRL Integrity Unit is still looking into whether head of football Todd Greenberg was aware Ryan Tandy had placed bets on the outcome of matches when he was in charge of Canterbury in 2010.

Tandy, who died earlier this month following a suspected drug overdose, was banned for life in 2011 after being charged with four counts of lying to the NSW Crime Commission.

It is the second time Greenberg has been in the spotlight since joining the NRL after a probe was conducted into allegations the Bulldogs covered up an alleged assault by Ben Barba on his partner.

"We've been making inquiries since last week and will continue to satisfy ourselves that we've got all the facts ahead of us," he said.

"We've not got those yet and when we have them I can make a decision."